Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle: Your Ultimate Switch Guide
Hey guys! Ready to dive into the wacky world of Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle on the Nintendo Switch? This game is an absolute gem, a crossover that nobody saw coming, but everyone ended up loving. It's a turn-based tactical RPG that combines the beloved characters of the Mushroom Kingdom with the chaotic energy of the Rabbids. Trust me, it's a blast! In this guide, we're going to cover everything you need to know to get started, from the basics of gameplay to tips on mastering the battlefield. We'll even chat about the characters, DLC, and whether this game is worth your time (spoiler alert: it totally is!).
What is Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle all about?
So, what exactly is Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle? At its core, it's a tactical RPG, similar to games like XCOM, but with a much lighter, more accessible feel. You control a team of heroes, each with unique abilities and weapons, as you navigate colorful, grid-based battlefields. The goal is to outsmart your opponents, utilizing cover, strategic movement, and special attacks to defeat enemies and complete objectives. But, it's not just about the battles; there's a charming story that weaves through the gameplay, filled with humor and quirky interactions between Mario, his friends, and the Rabbids.
The story starts with a mysterious vortex that merges the Mushroom Kingdom with the world of the Rabbids, causing all sorts of chaos. A new threat emerges, and it’s up to Mario and his crew, now joined by Rabbid counterparts, to save the day. The Rabbids bring their signature brand of silliness, while the Mushroom Kingdom characters provide the heart and familiarity. The gameplay is turn-based, meaning you and your opponents take turns moving your characters and performing actions. Each character has a certain amount of movement they can use and two actions per turn, be it shooting, using a special ability, or using a team jump to traverse large gaps and reach higher grounds.
The level design is also a huge highlight. The maps are cleverly crafted, providing a blend of open spaces, tight corridors, and strategic cover points. You'll need to learn to utilize the environment to your advantage, positioning your heroes strategically to maximize their effectiveness and protect them from enemy fire. The game does a great job of gradually introducing new mechanics and challenges, keeping you engaged and constantly learning. It also offers a decent amount of challenge, making it rewarding to progress through the game and learn new strategies. This game is incredibly addictive, it's hard to put down once you get into it. The blend of strategy, humor, and charming characters makes it a must-play for anyone who owns a Switch.
Diving into the Gameplay: Tips and Tricks
Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty of the gameplay. Mastering Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle takes more than just pointing and shooting. Here are some key tips and tricks to help you dominate the battlefield:
- Character Selection is Key: Before each battle, you'll choose your team of three heroes. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of each character. Mario is a balanced character that can deal good damage, Luigi is great at long range, and Peach is a healer. Experiment with different combinations to find the team that suits your play style.
 - Utilize Cover: Cover is your best friend in this game. Always position your characters behind walls or obstacles to protect them from enemy attacks. Some cover offers better protection than others, so pay attention to the environment and the type of cover available.
 - Master Special Abilities: Each character has unique special abilities that can turn the tide of battle. Mario's Hero Sight lets him counter-attack enemies, while Rabbid Peach's healing skills can keep your team alive. Learn to use these abilities effectively and at the right time.
 - Exploit Enemy Weaknesses: Pay attention to the enemy types and their weaknesses. Some enemies are vulnerable to specific weapons or special abilities. Take advantage of these vulnerabilities to deal extra damage and eliminate threats quickly.
 - Movement is Crucial: Don't underestimate the importance of movement. Use the grid-based system to position your characters strategically, flank enemies, and escape dangerous situations. Team Jumps are a great way to move across the battlefield quickly.
 - Use the Environment: The environment isn't just for cover. Some levels have interactive elements, like pipes and exploding barrels, that you can use to your advantage. Learn to recognize these opportunities and use them to your benefit.
 - Experiment with Weapons and Skills: Don't be afraid to experiment with different weapons and skills. Each character has a variety of weapons, each with different stats and special effects. As you progress, you can unlock skills and upgrades to further customize your heroes.
 
Following these tips will greatly improve your ability to succeed in the game. It's a game of strategy, so always be planning ahead and be aware of your surroundings.
Meet the Characters: Mario's Friends and Rabbid Mayhem
Okay, let's talk about the stars of the show! Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle boasts a roster of familiar faces from the Mushroom Kingdom, along with their equally eccentric Rabbid counterparts. Here's a quick rundown of the main heroes:
- Mario: The iconic plumber himself! Mario is a balanced character with good damage output and the ability to counter-attack enemies with Hero Sight. He's a reliable choice for any team.
 - Luigi: Mario's taller, more cautious brother. Luigi is a long-range specialist, dealing heavy damage from a distance. He's great at picking off enemies and providing supporting fire.
 - Peach: The princess of the Mushroom Kingdom. Peach is a support character, capable of healing her allies and providing cover with her unique ability, Team Barrier.
 - Yoshi: The lovable dinosaur. Yoshi is a versatile character with a variety of abilities, including the ability to swallow enemies and deal area-of-effect damage.
 - Rabbid Mario: A Rabbid version of Mario, but with a fiery personality. Rabbid Mario is a close-range fighter with powerful melee attacks and the ability to dash through enemies.
 - Rabbid Peach: The sassy Rabbid Peach is a support specialist, with the ability to heal and shield allies. She's a valuable asset to any team.
 - Rabbid Luigi: A Rabbid version of Luigi, Rabbid Luigi is a powerful attacker with long-range abilities. He's capable of dealing a lot of damage from afar.
 - Beep-O: A helpful robot companion who assists your team with various abilities, such as movement and protection. Beep-O can change the tide of battle.
 
Each character has their own unique weapons, skills, and play styles, so you can mix and match to find the team that best suits your preferences. The Rabbids add a layer of humor and unpredictability to the game, making the characters even more entertaining.
DLC and Beyond: What Else is There to Explore?
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle received some exciting DLC, expanding the game and providing even more content for players to enjoy. Here's a look at what the DLC has to offer:
- The Donkey Kong Adventure: This is a major expansion, introducing Donkey Kong and Rabbid Cranky as playable characters. It takes place in a new world with a new story, offering hours of additional gameplay. The Donkey Kong Adventure is a must-have for fans of the game. It provides a significant amount of extra content and new gameplay experiences, including new characters, enemies, and challenges.
 - Ultra Challenge Pack: This pack includes new challenges to test your skills, providing a fresh and engaging experience. The Ultra Challenge Pack offers a series of tough challenges, pushing players to refine their strategies and master the game's mechanics.
 - Season Pass: The Season Pass grants access to all the DLC content, including the Donkey Kong Adventure and the Ultra Challenge Pack. It's a great value for players who want to experience everything the game has to offer.
 
The DLC adds a lot to the core game, expanding the experience and providing more reasons to come back for more. So, if you're a fan of the game, definitely check it out!
Is Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle Worth It? Absolutely!
So, the big question: Is Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle worth your time and money? The answer is a resounding YES! It's a fantastic game that combines engaging tactical gameplay with a charming story and lovable characters. The game is easy to pick up but has a depth that will keep you engaged for hours on end. The blend of strategy, humor, and charm makes it a must-play for anyone who owns a Switch.
Here are some of the key reasons why this game is worth it:
- Engaging Gameplay: The turn-based tactical gameplay is fun, and strategic, offering a satisfying challenge for both newcomers and seasoned strategy game fans.
 - Charming Story and Characters: The story is lighthearted, with a unique sense of humor. The interactions between Mario, his friends, and the Rabbids are hilarious and memorable.
 - Beautiful Visuals and Sound: The game looks great on the Switch, with vibrant colors and charming character designs. The soundtrack is also amazing, adding to the overall experience.
 - Variety of Content: The game offers a good amount of content, with hours of gameplay in the main story, and even more with the DLC.
 
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is one of those games that you can easily sink dozens of hours into. If you're looking for a fun and engaging game to play on your Switch, you can't go wrong with this title. This game is a must-have for any Switch owner. It's a unique and fun experience that is sure to please gamers of all ages!